Bangkok ‘bins’ old habits with new waste charge coming in June
The capital city is about to bin its old ways as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) rolls out a fresh charge on waste that could take effect by June. Say goodbye to the flat 80-baht fee and hello to a new pay-as-you-throw system designed to get residents to separate their rubbish. It’s all about making Bangkok cleaner and greener and making sure everyone pays their fair share.
The city council has given the green light with a unanimous thumbs-up of 34-0, confirming the new ordinance is set to hit the Royal Gazette. Once it’s published, 180 days stand between the announcement and implementation day.
Deputy Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam is on the frontline, urging BMA officers to get up to speed with the new rules. Their mission? Educate Bangkokians on the art of waste sorting and why it’s crucial.
Under the revamped structure, if you’re a household that produces less than 20 litres or four kilos of waste per day, you’ll pay a modest 20 baht monthly fee, provided you sort your trash. Ignore the sorting and that fee climbs to 60 baht.
Got more rubbish? Households churning out between 20 litres and up to one cubic metre or 200kg daily will fork out 120 baht for every 20-litre increment each month. For the super-waste producers generating over one cubic metre or 200kg daily, there’s a hefty charge of 8,000 baht per cubic metre looming on the horizon.
Jakkapan points out that while major waste creators will be charged by weight and volume, savvy waste sorters might see their bills shrink.
Want to join the waste revolution? You’ll need to register with the BKK Waste Pay app or pop into your local district office. Be ready to prove your eco-friendly ways if you want to slash your fee.
But the BMA’s not stopping there, they’re cooking up more registration options, including interactions with waste collection staff and a potential feature on their official website, reported Bangkok Post.
Get ready, Bangkok, because your waste is about to cost you, or save you, depending on how you play the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is Thailand shifting its focus towards waste separation?
The aim is to reduce waste volume, lower collection fees, and encourage sustainable practices among residents.
How might the new fee structure influence household waste management behaviours?
Differentiated fees based on waste separation could incentivize residents to sort waste, leading to environmental benefits.
What if the revised fees don’t lead to increased waste separation?
The initiative may need further adjustments or additional incentives to successfully encourage widespread participation.
How can technology impact Thailand’s waste management strategies?
Digital tools like the BKK Waste Pay app streamline registration and monitoring, enhancing compliance and awareness.
What challenges might arise from implementing this waste management policy?
Ensuring public understanding, compliance, and adequate infrastructure for waste sorting are potential hurdles.
